Tek4Kids

Tag: Technology Education

  • Tek4Kids Celebrates International Women’s Day

    Tek4Kids Celebrates International Women’s Day

    Every year, March 8th is honored as International Women’s Day (IWD) around the world. Our team in Haiti is celebrating the month of March as women’s month in conjunction with IWD and using its theme, Choose to Challenge, to motivate and encourage one another.

    Marichka Milord initiated and coordinated the celebration of IWD to highlight the achievements and contributions of women working with Tek4Kids and our partner organizations. The month-long emphasis supports diversity, equality and inclusion and focuses on women’s contributions in the STEM field. As part of the campaign, Milord produced videos featuring two accomplished women in our organization, Laura Desmangles and Dana Cazeau.

    Milord also organized a conference held on March 8th at the Jeremie Enterprise and Technology (JET) center, which included round-table discussions about the role of women in society and the challenges and injustices that women in Haiti face. Milord, along with St. Francis School of Technology teachers Delice Dorvil and Rony Jean Baptiste, moderated the discussions.

    Both moderators and participants asserted that women in Haitian are often seen as the ones responsible for domestic tasks, while men are breadwinners and are given more educational and career opportunities. Participants maintained that women should hold other important roles in society, as they are quite capable of adding value to society in more ways than taking care of their household.

    Participants also considered the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone’s contributions are valued, regardless of gender. This requires a shift in thinking and becoming aware of deep-rooted biases and conditioning. Seeing each gender as equal leads to providing equal opportunities for them. In addition, participants stressed that change begins at home, so shaping children’s perception of gender is vital.

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  • Bequests: Another Way to Support Tek4Kids

    Bequests: Another Way to Support Tek4Kids

    Through various types of bequests to Tek4Kids, you may secure a charitable estate-tax deduction for the value of the gift. Best of all, you will know that your generosity will support Tek4Kids’ mission for years to come.

    You may prefer to state in your will or trust a sum of money or a percentage of your estate that you wish to give to Tek4Kids.

    Whatever form of bequest you choose, it is not subject to federal estate taxes and so significantly reduces the tax burden of an estate. The value of the bequest may be deducted when the taxable estate is determined, and there is no limit to the deduction.

    How It Works

    1. You include a bequest provision in your will or revocable trust.
    2. At your death, Tek4Kids receives the bequest you specified.

    Benefits

    • You may change your bequest or trust designation at any time
    • You control the funding property during your lifetime
    • Your bequest or trust designation will not be subject to any potential federal estate tax
    • You provide future support for Tek4Kids by making a transformational gift

    Gifts of Retirement Assets

    You can make a gift to Tek4Kids through your estate by naming Tek4Kids as a beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan account, such as an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), Keogh or similar account. Upon your death, all or a portion of the unused balance in your account is transferred to Tek4Kids as a charitable gift.

    Retirement plan assets are among the best assets to use for charitable gifts because if these assets are left to your heirs, they could eventually be taxed at 50% or 60%.

    Other benefits include:

    • Your estate benefits from a charitable deduction on the full amount given to charity
    • Charitable designations are free from all federal income and estate tax
    • These gifts are considered non-probate assets
    • The process of naming Tek4Kids as beneficiary is simple with no legal counsel needed

    You can name Tek4Kids as a beneficiary of your plan by contacting your plan administrator who will provide you with a form to designate Tek4Kids as a primary or contingent beneficiary of your account, and the amount or percentage of assets that you wish to give. If you are married, they may also ask you for the consent of your spouse.

    Gifts of Life Insurance

    If your goal is to make a gift to Tek4Kids at no cost and also to enjoy tax savings, a gift of life insurance is an option.

    If you:

    • no longer have use for your paid-up life insurance policy
    • wish to donate an existing policy
    • wish to create a new policy

    You can use it to make a charitable gift to Tek4Kids by designating Tek4Kids as beneficiary to your life insurance policy or giving the policy to the Tek4Kids outright. Either option may offer substantial tax savings.

    How It Works

    • Paid-up Insurance Policy – You can make an outright gift to Tek4Kids of a paid-up policy. Tek4Kids can accept the cash value of the policy or we can keep the policy until its death benefit is realized. You can receive a deduction equaling the cost of a replacement policy. This is based on a one-life policy based on your current age.
    • Existing Insurance Policy – You can maintain your current policy and continue to pay the premiums. You name Tek4Kids as the owner and primary beneficiary under the policy. You will receive an income tax deduction on the total of the premiums already paid or for the fair market value of the policy, whichever has the lesser value.
    • New Insurance Policy – You can create a new policy naming Tek4Kids as owner and beneficiary of the policy.

    This vehicle is especially attractive and manageable for younger donors who want to assist Tek4Kids. When you purchase this new policy and donate it as a gift to Tek4Kids as the owner, the premiums you pay are, as a rule, deductible on your federal income tax.

    Benefits

    Gifts made via insurance policies provide an excellent way for you to make a significant gift to Tek4Kids—a gift you may not otherwise be able to make at the time. Modest payments for policies are spread out over the years and will enable you to leave a significant bequest gift.

    Additional Options

    Gifts of insurance can also be leveraged for wealth replacement not only to protect your heirs, but it can enable you to make a significant charitable gift now.

    You can also use your company’s or Tek4Kids’s life insurance (part of your benefit package) by naming Tek4Kids as the beneficiary of the policy.

  • Tek4Kids Fall Virtual Tech Summit

    Tek4Kids Fall Virtual Tech Summit

    The Tek4Kids Fall Virtual Tech Summit takes place on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 12:00-12:45 pm. Learn how Tek4Kids uses education and technology to change students’ lives in Haiti. The summit will explore new possibilities for learning and invite your ideas for improving education, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The free event will live stream presentations, panel discussions and interviews with leaders engaging the theme: The Art of Possible.

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    Guest Speakers

    Margarett Lubin, Country Director J/P Haitian Relief Organization, CORE – Community Organized Relief Effort
    William ‘Skip’ Hahnert, Dean, School of Information Technology, Ivy Tech Community College


    Event Agenda

    • The Story of Tek4Kids: Gary Boice, Tek4Kids Founder and Board Chair
    • Women in Tech: Maryse King, Tek4Kids Country Director (Haiti) 2017-18 and current volunteer; Michelle Boice, Tek4Kids volunteer
    • Personal Stories from Haiti: Daphna Jean-Pierre and William Philippe
    • Guest Speakers: Margarett Lubin and Skip Hahnert
    • Open collaboration and questions
  • Preparing for the Covid-19 Pandemic in Haiti

    Preparing for the Covid-19 Pandemic in Haiti

    Along with partners around the globe, Tek4Kids observed World Water Day on March 22nd amidst the growing covid-19 pandemic. The day highlights the importance of fresh, clean water and is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

    Tek4Kids is keenly aware of the importance of clean water during the current crisis. One of the primary ways to combat the spread of the virus is handwashing and not touching our faces with unwashed hands. But what about those with no access to purified water to wash their hands? What if there is no clean water to drink or to use for bathing? Certainly, Haiti’s population is more vulnerable and more likely to contract the virus and spread it without access to clean water.

    Recognizing the importance of distributing clean water in Jeremie, Haiti during the pandemic, Tek4Kids founder Gary Boice and his son, Michael, helped prepare for the crisis by setting up six water purification distribution centers that will provide purified water to many thousands of Jeremie residents. They hope this will significantly slow the spread of the virus. Having distributed thousands of gallons of clean water following Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Tek4Kids is well prepared to assist in this emergency.

    Tek4Kids has been in Jeremie since 2011 and works with more than 2,000 students in our partner schools by supporting them with purified water and education via laptops, iPads and smartboards. Tek4Kids also opened a three year technical school (St. Francis School of Technology) in 2015. Due to the pandemic, the government has closed schools nationwide, so Tek4Kids is now setting up its facilities to provide water to the Jeremie community. We currently have nearly 100,000 gallons of clean water ready to go and can purify 15,000-20,000 gallons per day afterwards (as long as water trucks are operating).

    The covid-19 virus has not yet come to Jeremie. Tek4Kids has been working with other organizations such as the Haitian Health Foundation to provide training and information to the community before the virus arrives. For more information about our work in Jeremie, Haiti and to donate to Tek4Kids, visit our website at www.tek4kids.org.

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  • St. Francis School of Technology Graduates Its Second Class!

    St. Francis School of Technology Graduates Its Second Class!

    St. Francis School of Technology (SFST) is a technical school located in Jeremie, Haiti operating on a three year cycle. Students have the opportunity graduate with a diploma once they complete the cycle. During their time at SFST, students may also have internship opportunities. SFST is fortunate to have many competent teachers who are recognized nationally and internationally, as well as having the latest materials and technology for students’ learning.

    On July 13, 2019, SFST celebrated its second graduating class, which was named after William Philippe. The class chose this name because Philippe directed SFST for three years and is a very qualified teacher. The students are truly grateful for Philippe’s dedication and expertise at SFST. As its goal, the 2016-2019 class chose the following: “Work is the key to success.” Graduates do not believe in luck and chance, but rather in the work and efforts they have made during their studies at SFST.

    This year’s graduation celebrant was Mgr. Marc Arthur Emille, who greatly demonstrates his love for SFST and is always delighted to celebrate our school graduations. His meditation blessed the class and urged them to continue in their studies and in the professional careers that await them.

    Gary and Cathy Boice are the founders of SFST. The graduates appreciate the Boice’s dedication and love for them, as they leave their home country to help students receive their education. In recognition of Gary and Cathy, the class created a song for them: Thank you, thank you, thank you TEK4KIDS; thank you, Mr. Gary Boice and his family.

    The 19 graduating students wore blue and gold and were accompanied by a choir for the ceremony. The top student of this graduating class was Laguerre Guelson, who averaged 87.91. Jean Widner was the second laureate with a general average of 82.24. Francky Civil was third with a general average of 81.97. About 275 people attended the graduation ceremony, including parents, family members, and friends of the graduates and the staff of SFST.

    “Work is the key to success.”

    — by Elisabeth Dauphin, Accountant and SFST Graduation Coordinator

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  • 2019 Golf Scramble Thank You

    2019 Golf Scramble Thank You

    On behalf of Tek4Kids, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all golfers, sponsors, in-kind donors and volunteers who supported the 7th Annual Golf Scramble for Haiti which was held on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Covered Bridge Golf Club.

    Thank you to our awesome volunteers who generously donated their time to another great golf outing!

    A special thanks to our Birdie Sponsors – Michelle Boice, Financial Architects,Inc., and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management for their continued and generous support! A very big Thank You to Penn Station East Coast Subs for donating lunch to our golfers, staff and volunteers!

    We would also like to recognize and thank our hole sponsors for their support: Accredited Wealth Management, CISCO, Commonwealth Bank & Trust Co., Elite Heating & AC, Encore Technologies, Jerry Mudd Consulting, New Albany Heating & Air Conditioning, Samtec, Trace3, Your Key Solutions – Angela Bauer Armes & Rebecca Potter.

    This special event raises awareness of the needs of school children in Haiti and support of our ongoing projects with our partner schools in Jeremie, and our three-year St. Francis School of Technology (SFST.) These projects include: providing reliable electricity to our nine partner schools, 10,000 gallons of purified water per week, 400 laptops and iPads for schools and supporting over 2,000 students; and our technology school St. Francis School of Technology. The students at SFST have been trained in networking, Microsoft Server, programming, database, web design, and other areas of study including English. In 2019, Tek4Kids Haiti offices and SFST moved into our new facility with 8 classrooms/labs, office space and internet cafe (for staff and students.) The extra space will allow us to expand our curriculum and outreach to the community. Tek4Kids reputation has grown through the years as well. Our partner schools’ enrollment has increased dramatically and our technology school only accepted 24 students out of the 150+ applicants for the 2019-20 school year. As always,100% of the funds donated/raised directly support our projects.

    Please keep all of the above donors and sponsors in mind when looking for products or services; their support is integral in making our event a success!

    Thank you to Covered Bridge Golf Club staff for their support throughout the scramble.

    We are truly grateful for your support and look forward to next year’s golf outing in September, 2020. We hope to see you there!

    Please visit our website www.tek4kids.org for information on our projects and how you can help.

    Gary and Cathy Boice
    Tek4Kids Founders

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  • Working with Tek4Kids in Haiti

    Working with Tek4Kids in Haiti

    “I have worked in Haiti since 2014 and joined the staff of Tek4Kids in February of this year as a project manager. I have known Gary Boice for many years and loved hearing stories about what he has been doing in Jeremie, Haiti and the difference Tek4Kids is making here. I am honored and excited to be a part of Tek4Kids and to use my experiences in Haiti to further advance its mission.

    The people and connections I have made here are amazing. I love the heart everyone has for Jeremie and the will they have to make a difference not only in their own lives, but also in the community. In this short time, I have made some great friendships and have integrated well into the community.

    I hope my experience in Haiti, along with others, will continue to propel Tek4Kids forward as an organization. During my time here, I have been able to learn so much and work with some great people along the way. Some of my projects have included: camera installation and wifi access points in the Jeremie Enterprise and Technology building, set up for community meetings and programs, logistics and purchasing materials and a water purification schedule for our partner schools.

    I can honestly say that working with Tek4Kids here in Jeremie has reignited the fire I already had for Haiti. It has been a great experience and I look forward to what the future holds in our work together.”

    — Dustin Klink

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  • Tek4Kids Students Shine in Robotics Class

    Tek4Kids Students Shine in Robotics Class

    Nearly 50 students in Jeremie, Haiti recently had the opportunity to take part in a hands-on Lego robotics class sponsored by Expo Science Haiti. The students ranged in age from 10-14 and were invited to attend from five Tek4Kids partner schools: St. John Bosco, St. Therese Montessori, Bro. Paulin, St. John the Evangelist and St. Louis High School.

    The event was coordinated by Raygine Francois, Founder and Executive Director at Haiti STEM Alliance, and held at the new Jeremie Enterprise and Technology (JET) center. Graduates of the St. Francis School of Technology (SFST) – Laguerre Guelson, Pierre Jean Widner, Leon Roberto and Pierre Wesley – worked on the project in advance and were on hand to help guide the students during the class.

    The goal of the robotics class was for students to learn to assemble, program and operate a small Lego robot. Teams of 2 or 3 students were each given the Lego kit, which contained hundreds of pieces. Students used tablets to follow the instructions for assembling the robot and once assembled, used them to sync, program and operate it.

    Most of these students already had experience using iPads, smartboards and laptops as a result of Tek4Kids collaboration with partner schools in Jeremie. Nearly all 20 teams were able to complete the robot project successfully! We look forward to future opportunities to participate in robotic challenge competitions and hope to represent Jeremie well.

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  • Another Boice Joins Tek4Kids in Haiti

    Another Boice Joins Tek4Kids in Haiti

    Working with Tek4Kids has become a family affair for the Boice family! Gary and Cathy Boice are its co-founders, while son Michael joined the team full-time last year to lead and coordinate all our technology efforts in Haiti.

    Recently, son Brooke traveled to Jeremie, Haiti to teach a Python class for third year students at St. Francis School of Technology, the certified technology school Tek4Kids began in 2015. Brooke lives in Boulder, CO with his wife and three children and is currently a Senior Advanced Services Architect in the Data Center ATG with Trace3.

    Brooke created a lab environment where everyone in the class had access to their own virtual machine to run Python, which is a high-level programming language used primarily for web and application development. During the class, Brooke presented brief segments of lecture, immediately followed by a lab to apply the lessons learned. He focused initially on the basic concepts of Python and the labs then challenged students to customize Python scripts that query live websites for weather data, based on location. Finally, the students built a basic Python web server.

    Brooke commented that he was surprised by the students’ level of engagement and noted that almost every student followed along and constantly asked questions. He said it was truly a pleasure to teach students who were so eager to learn!

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  • SFST Receives Significant Certification

    SFST Receives Significant Certification

    Our technology school in Jeremie, Haiti, the St. Francis School of Technology (SFST) recently received its certification from the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP). Created by presidential decree in 1973 and later (in 1983) entrusted with managing vocational schools, INFP’s mission is to develop and organize permanent vocational training programs and coordinate various means of such training in Haiti.

    INFP certification is required to operate a vocational school in Haiti and mandated by the Minister of National Education. SFST can now participate in Haiti’s official examinations and persons who graduate from a school with this certification are considered highly qualified and eligible for employment in their chosen field.

    In addition to the recognition for students, the certification sends a positive signal to the community that SFST meets all the quality, excellence and administrative standards required to be certified. The diplomas SFST confers will carry both an exceptional reputation and the official signature of Haiti. The certification will also allow some educational partnerships between the US and Haiti and make it possible to prepare duty-free applications for importing technology materials. The designation could lead to funding from both US non-governmental organizations and Haiti’s government, which supports the education sector.

    Normally, the INFP certification process can take anywhere from five to eight years. But thanks to a great team effort from Gary Boice, William Philippe and Michelet Jerome, SFST is now certified after only four years in existence! Jerome followed up on Gary and Philippe’s initial work toward certification by travelling to Port-au-Prince several times to meet with INFP officials and its director, Maguy Durce’.

    SFST offers a three-year intensive program of study in areas such as database, networking, programming and Microsoft Server training. English is also part of its curriculum. With its new classrooms, lab space and this certification, the stage is now set for St. Francis School of Technology to become one of the premier technology schools in Haiti!

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  • Tek4Kids Partner School Reps Gather to Learn and Collaborate

    Tek4Kids Partner School Reps Gather to Learn and Collaborate

    Tek4Kids partnership school representatives recently assembled to learn about our latest efforts in technology education for students in the community of Jeremie, Haiti. The response was better than 100%, since we sent out 24 invitations and 25 people showed up!

    Representatives from all our partner schools joined us, including teachers and administrators from St. Louis High School, St. Louis Elementary, St. John Bosco, St. Therese Montessori, Brother Paulin, Montfort, St. John the Evangelist and Step by Step.

    During the meeting, Te4Kids founder Gary Boice outlined our process for using technology in educating students, beginning with our partnership with local schools in Jeremie. Around 2,000 students have access to iPads, smart boards and laptop computer classes in our partner schools. In addition, we provide basic infrastructure such as purified water and reliable electricity so that the school environment is conducive for learning.

    Those students interested in pursuing a career in the field of information technology can apply for entrance into our St. Francis School of Technology (SFST), which recently received INFP certification in Haiti after only four years in existence. The three-year program at SFST offers study in database, programming and Microsoft Network Server. Our goal is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in website design, desktop support and infographics. English language skills are also part of the curriculum at SFST.

    Post graduate support and opportunities follow for SFST graduates with our newly incorporated for-profit business, Technology Integrators Caribbean (TIC). Some students are offered jobs in this business and others can begin their own businesses using the business center located in the Jeremie Enterprise Technology building. All profits from TIC will be funneled back into our non-profit, Tek4Kids.

    Representatives were then treated to a tour of the Network Operations Center for TIC, showing its capabilities for monitoring, security and energy management. Several in attendance expressed gratitude for our work in the community and encouraged more meetings such as this, so everyone can be aware of our work. St. Louis High School educational director Fr. Luxo congratulated Tek4Kids for its determination, will and courage in opening doors of success for young people in Jeremie and affirmed our work as a center of technology that will help Haiti’s economy grow for years to come.
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